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SB 15

CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Prohibits any act intended to hinder, delay, prevent, or otherwise interfere with or thwart federal immigration enforcement efforts. (8/1/25) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Beryl Amedée and 16 co-sponsors

Louisiana criminalizes actions intended to hinder federal immigration enforcement, potentially restricting speech, legal aid, and advocacy for immigrants.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 399.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 15

Legislative bill overview

SB 15 makes it a crime in Louisiana to intentionally hinder, delay, prevent, or interfere with federal immigration enforcement activities. The law became effective August 1, 2025, and was signed into law by the Governor as Act No. 399.

Why is this important

This law creates state-level criminal liability for actions that obstruct federal immigration enforcement, potentially affecting a wide range of activities from providing legal counsel to sheltering undocumented immigrants. It represents a state-level alignment with federal immigration enforcement priorities and raises questions about the scope of protected activities versus criminal interference.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: First Amendment protections for speech and assembly, as well as Fifth Amendment due process questions about the law's breadth and potential vagueness in defining what constitutes "interfere with or thwart" enforcement
  • Scope ambiguity: Unclear whether activities like legal representation, public advocacy, journalistic reporting, or humanitarian assistance could be prosecuted as "interference"
  • Federalism and sanctuary policies: Conflicts with sanctuary jurisdictions and local policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement; raises questions about state authority to criminalize obstruction of federal activities
  • Immigration advocacy impact: Likely to chill the activities of immigrant rights organizations, legal aid providers, and community groups assisting immigrants

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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